(Dear IPOATthe Fourth, that a happy ending is altogether unlikely?

[Hullygully]

Or not?

Why are you jumping?

seeing

easily pleased

Why are you easily pleased? So

So, Gibbon, will Nigel be joining us at the palace? I'll wager he'll look very sweet in some silk pantaloons and a powdered wig.

Where is Nigel?

Did someone spike the tea again?

Palace? Did I over speed read?

Nigel has been on an educational placement at the Greenwich Observatory...being small he is very useful for cleaning those hard to read brass components...

Ah, yes, here he is out in the rain, keeping the meridian dry

Yes, we are off to Londinium, to take up Hully's rightful place as Princess of this Realm, and we are to be her ladies!

Ahhh wonderful!!

shall we get to waltz at Almacks? Can't wait to try their stale bread and butter and weak orgeat...

I am hoping to enjoy some of the new confection called, I think, chocolate. I have heard the Brothers Cadbury are to be in town this season!

Ah yes, Chocolate....'tis rumoured to have interesting effects...

(Mid 1800s is okay, surely? )

In fact chocolate was first introduced to Britain in 1520s...

mid-18th century is fine for cholocate, but aren't we more regency? therefore more early 19th?

(Mid 1800s is 19th century...)

yes my princess of pendantry but getting excited about new fangled beverage called chocolate is a good 100 years earlier....

Anyone for a Mars Bar?

Ah, you see, confection, not beverage! Lor', yes, I have of course tried the beverage! But I understand the Messrs Cadbury have crafted it into a type of sweetmeat!

ooh, sold chocolate, you say? how novel!

Ladies, have we settled on hairstyles? I confess myself much taken with the ship affair. I thought I might adopt it once we have reached London as it may be a struggle to get in the coach with it.

I have had the maid pack for me, It took her ages as she was tired post-milking. No stamina these young gels. Is everyone else ready? Reticules? Spare bloomers? I shall bring along some MAIDEN JUICE in case we are attacked by highwaymen en route. The road to London is quite notorious.

How lovely that Nigel is to accompany us, I hear the Prince is uncommonly fond of cherubic infants that can read obsevatorical instruments, tis all the rage.

At what point, do we think, might we unlock the cellar? They may be a little cross down there.

Gibbon, are you sure that's wise? The fashion at court errs on the side of the maigre, you know. I have a magazine full of such helpful tips: Your Day in Court.

Put it down, Gibbon